Walk With Diabetes 2004

28 Nov 2004

By Dr Mohamad Maliki Bin Osman, Parliamentary Secretary For Health

Venue: Dr Mohamad Maliki Bin Osman, Parliamentary Secretary For Health

Speech By Dr Mohamad Maliki Bin Osman, Parliamentary Secretary For Health, At Walk With Diabetes 2004 On 28 Nov 04 At 11.25 Am At Touch Diabetes Support Centre

Mr. Eugene Seow, Executive Director, TOUCH Community Services

Prof Ong Yong Yau, Emeritus Consultant/Senior Advisor to Singhealth

Dr Sum Chee Fang, Chairman, Diabetes Disease Management Workshop, National Healthcare Group

Distinguished guests

Ladies and gentlemen

1. I welcome all of you to Walk With Diabetes 2004. This event is organized to commemorate World Diabetes Month. I understand that this is the first time that TOUCH Community services and the two healthcare clusters are jointly organizing a Walk for individuals with diabetes, their family members and the healthcare professionals. This is symbolic of healthcare professionals, carers and community groups working hand in hand to provide integrated and holistic care for patients with diabetes. It also signifies that diabetes prevention and management is a collective responsibility.

2. Diabetes is a common health problem in Singapore. One out of eleven Singapore residents age 18 to 69 has diabetes. A 2001 survey on primary medical care in Singapore showed that diabetes is the fifth most common condition seen in a primary care setting. In 2003, diabetes is the eighth most common cause of death, accounting for 2.3% of all deaths.

3. Diabetes is a chronic disease which can lead to complications and premature death if undiagnosed or not well treated. Studies show that about half of patients already have complications of diabetes at the time of diagnosis. Poorly controlled diabetes can result in a multitude of problems including eye complications, kidney failure, coronary heart disease and limb amputations. Thus apart from controlling diabetes, we must spend effort at preventing it.

4. The theme for this year's World Diabetes Day is "Fight Obesity Prevent Diabetes". Obesity is a significant risk factor for the development of diabetes. According to the International Obesity Task Force, up to 1.7 billion of the world's population is at increased risk of weight-related diseases such as diabetes and heart disease. In Singapore, 6% of adults and 10% of school children are obese. It is estimated that at least half of all cases of diabetes could be prevented if obesity can be avoided.

5. To prevent diabetes, Singapore has taken steps to control childhood obesity and is committed to promoting healthy and active lifestyles among Singaporeans of all ages. Our School Health Services and the Health Promotion Board have taken the lead in controlling obesity in school children and the general public. The inculcation of healthy lifestyle habits should begin from an early age. Adoption of regular physical activity and healthy eating habits will help prevent diseases such as diabetes, high blood pressure and high blood cholesterol in later life.

6. Early detection of diabetes is of paramount importance. Numerous trials conducted around the world have proven beyond doubt that the early diagnosis and treatment of diabetes prevents or retards the development of diabetic complications. A national Community Health Screening Programme called "Check Your Health" was launched in July 2000 to encourage Singaporeans aged 50 years and above to attend screening for diabetes, high blood pressure and high blood cholesterol. From July 2000 to Mar 2003, about 70,000 persons were screened at the 'Check Your Health' Programme. 42% of the participants had no known medical history but were detected with abnormal results for high blood pressure, high blood sugar or high blood cholesterol. Among them, one third went to a doctor for confirmation of their diagnosis and was confirmed to have at least one condition. We hope the others would also take the follow up step and check with their doctors for confirmation. We must encourage more Singaporeans to come forward for early screening to ensure that any signs of diseases can be detected early. Certainly such screening programmes must be accompanied with the necessary mechanism to manage the anxieties and concerns that may be experienced by those who are coming forward to be screened. Indeed, fear of the unknown may actually prevent them from coming forward.

7. It has been proven that if diabetes care can be defined and delivered, many of the complications of diabetes can be minimised, if not completely prevented. Simple lifestyle changes such as diet control and regular exercise go a long way to help control diabetes. To this end, healthcare professionals, family members and community support groups should work together to help patients with diabetes manage the disease and its complications.

8. Both Singhealth and National Healthcare Group have comprehensive diabetes management programmes where doctors, nurses, dieticians and other healthcare professionals take time to counsel and educate the patients on diabetes and its complications. Patients are reminded of the importance of taking medications regularly, having regular follow-up consultations with their doctors and regular screening for complications of diabetes. Complications of diabetes, such as eye, kidney or heart complications, are identified early and treated aggressively. Recent data from the cluster polyclinics show that two out of three diabetics have moderate to good blood sugar control, and nine out of ten have regular eye and foot screening. This is encouraging and it shows that these patients take their conditions seriously.

9. I am happy to note that many of you are here today with your families. Family support plays an important role in the management of diabetes. Family members can provide encouragement and emotional support for patients with diabetes. They can help reinforce healthy lifestyle habits and create a positive environment at home. I am sure all of us are appreciative of the efforts of our family members. Of course we must make sure that family members too are supported as we need to care for the care givers.

10. I note that the TOUCH Diabetes Support group was founded in 1992 and since then, has reached out to many individuals with diabetes, providing them with care and counselling. The support group has done a lot to raise awareness of diabetes among the public, patients and their family members. It is always a constant challenge for the staff and volunteers to explain medical terms in simple language to patients and their relatives, and to persuade them to follow the prescribed treatment. It is heartening to know that a few individuals with diabetes who were previously under the care of the TOUCH Diabetes Support Group have in turn become volunteers themselves, helping other diabetes patients and sharing with them their experiences. The efforts of the TOUCH Diabetes Support Group are indeed commendable. You have certainly touched the lives of many individuals with diabetes and their families.

11. As we walk together this morning, let us be reminded that the management of diabetes is a joint effort between patients, healthcare professionals, family members and community support groups. As we piece together the UNITY puzzle at the end of this walk, let us be reminded that all healthcare organisations should come together to provide integrated and holistic care for individuals with diabetes.

12. I commend the organizing committee for their hard work in putting together this event. I hope you had a pleasant walk this morning and wish you a healthy life ahead.

13. Thank you.